Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
